Manhattan Beach's McNicholas commits to UNH

Michael McNicholas of Manhattan Beach has committed to University of New Hampshire for either the 2013 or 2014 season.

McNicholas, a forward, also had scholarship offers from Northeastern University and Western Michigan University.

"The UNH coaches, fans and the university were drawing forces," said McNicholas. "UNH plays an open and creative game which emphasizes playmaking, and, combined with the widest ice surface in the country, it makes for a perfect fit for me."

McNicholas currently plays for Victory Honda's AAA 18U team in Michigan. He played the past three seasons with the LA Selects 94s, spending most of the past two seasons on a line with University of Wisconsin recruit Nic Kerdiles, from Irvine, and Nik Olson, from Escondido.

McNicholas will suit up for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League against the USA Hockey National Team Development Program on Feb. 18 in Ann Arbor, Mich.